STYLE: Rock RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 160450-23872 LABEL: Fair Trade Services 696859309861 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RELEASE DATE: 2016-03-18 RRP: £12.99
Reviewed by Tim Maiden
'2.0' is the second album by Citizen Way, a worshipful rock band who have recently moved to Nashville, Tennessee. The band follows in the footsteps of classic Christian bands such as Newsboys or later Audio Adrenaline with a radio friendly approach to pop rock. Energetic album opener "Elevated" is a clear highlight, with a bright and bold hook that unashamedly declares, "Not by power/not by might/but by the Spirit." Lead vocalist Ben Calhoun has put Christ at the centre of the lyrics of this album - a main theme is remembering that God is on our side and that he is fighting for us. Many of these lyrics, including the moving and honest lead single "When I'm With You", were written after Calhoun's wife had a miscarriage. However, slower soulful ballads such as "I Will", despite containing a meaningful message, tend to meander. Indeed, it is the more upbeat songs where the band seem most comfortable. '2.0' is an album by a band that is content making pop influenced rock music - it's a shame that this does not involve trying anything new. Whilst the album is inoffensive, it doesn't push any boundaries.
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